The new RSG afternoon drama, Die eerste wingerd, premieres today, set against the backdrop of a wine farm where a shocking discovery is made—a body found in the farm dam.

When writer Anton Treurnich developed the 60-episode series, he drew inspiration from the striking parallel between wine and blood—both leaving deep red stains.

“My idea was to tell the story of wine from start to finish,” says Treurnich. “From the moment the grape grows in the vineyard, through the harvest and winemaking process, to the point where it finally ends up in a bottle.”

He explains that this process is closely interwoven with the lives of the characters. “Harvest season is one of the busiest times for wine farmers and for an entire valley built around wine production. That’s where the idea began—this valley, its people, and the fascinating lives shaped by their connection to wine. And, of course, a great deal unfolds in their personal lives as well.”

At its heart, the series explores love in its many forms: love for the land, for community, for craft, and romantic love—whether newly discovered or rekindled.

The story centres on the people of Rooiberg, a valley of wine farms near Robertson in the Western Cape. The largest and oldest of these is Die Eerste Wingerd. A major turning point occurs when a child goes missing after a storm. The central figure, Bart Voster (Pierre Nelson), leads the search—only for a body to be discovered, belonging to someone deeply connected to the farm.

Regardt Bonnet (Pedro Camara), owner of Die Eerste Wingerd, comes from a family that has farmed the land for five generations. However, his focus has shifted to exporting young grapevines, leading to a decline in wine production. Most of the farm’s grapes are now sold directly to the local cooperative.

When winemaker David Meyer (Conradie van Heerden) arrives, he challenges the status quo. Determined to restore the farm’s winemaking legacy after two decades, he stirs both ambition and tension—especially given that his father, the former farm manager, was driven off the land years ago by Regardt’s father.

Meanwhile, Delia Davids (Kay Smith), the new teacher at the farm school, relocates from Cape Town and moves in with Shereen Kannemeyer (Zenobia Kloppers), the district’s warm-hearted “aunt.” School principal Mr Fred Smith (Royston Stoffels) faces the ongoing challenge of keeping the small farm school open.

Adding further intrigue is Lucian Bantjes (Cole Wessels), who embraces everything about rural life that Delia dislikes. Though the two initially clash, an undeniable and unspoken connection begins to form.

Complications deepen with the arrival of Wolfgang Roux (Johann Nel), a hotel manager, and Anna McLean (Antoinette Louw), an art thief—both of whom are well aware of the long-standing feud between the Bonnet and Meyer families.

Amanda Roux (Kara du Toit), Wolfgang’s cousin, reconnects with her uncle and quickly befriends David. Soon after, Amelia Bonnet (Karli Heine), Regardt’s younger sister, arrives unexpectedly. Sparks fly between her and David, much to Regardt’s discomfort.

Family matriarch Lisa Bonnet (Zolise Makhene) retreats to the family’s holiday home to escape the growing tensions. Just as it seems solutions might be within reach, developer Robert Peck (Marcel van Heerden) enters the scene with plans to take over the Rooiberg Valley holdings, accompanied by his partner, Cindy Pietersen, played by Amor Tredoux.

You can listen to Die Eerste Wingerd weekdays at 14:45 on RSG (100–104 FM) or on the RSG Radio App.